Occurrence and Source Effect of Novel Brominated Flame Retardants (NBFRs) in Soils from Five Asian Countries and Their Relationship with PBDEs

Li, Wen-Long,Ma, Wan-Li,Zhang, Zi-Feng,Liu, Li-Yan,Song, Wei-Wei,Jia, Hong-Liang,Ding, Yong-Sheng,Nakata, Haruhiko,Minh, Nguyen Hung,Sinha, Ravindra Kumar,Moon, Hyo-Bang,Kannan, Kurunthachalam,Sverko, American Chemical Society 2017 Environmental science & technology Vol.51 No.19

<P>This paper presents the first comprehensive survey of 19 novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in soil samples collected among five Asian countries. High variability in concentrations of all NBFRs was found in soils with the geometric mean (GM) values ranging from 0.50 ng/g dry weight (dw) in Vietnam to 540 ng/g dw in the vicinity of a BFR manufacturer in China. In urban, rural, and background locations, the GM concentrations of Sigma(19)NBFRs decreased in the order of Japan > South Korea > China > India > Vietnam. Correlations among different NBFR compounds were positive and statistically significant (p < 0.05), suggesting that they originate from similar sources. Evidence for simultaneous application between polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and NBFRs were also noted. Principal component analysis of NBFR concentrations revealed specific pollution sources for different NBFRs coming from urban, BFR-related industrial, and e-waste sites. For the first time, this study demonstrates a 'point source fractionation effect' for NBFRs and PBDEs. The concentrations of all NBFRs and PBDEs were negatively and significantly correlated with the distance from BFR-related industrial and e-waste regions. Positive and significant correlation between population density and NBFR concentrations in soils was identified. Our study revealed that the primary sources effects were stronger than the secondary sources effects in controlling the levels and distribution of NBFRs and PBDEs in soils in these five Asian countries.</P>

Decreased Expression of FADS1 Predicts a Poor Prognosis in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Du, Yong,Yan, Shu-Mei,Gu, Wan-Yi,He, Fan,Huang, Li-Yun,Li, Mei,Yuan, Yan,Chen, Ren-Hui,Zhong, Qian,Li, Man-Zhi,Li, Yong,Zeng, Mu-Sheng Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.12

FADS1 (fatty acid desaturase 1) plays a crucial role in fatty acid metabolism, and it was recently reported to be involved in tumorigenesis. However, the role of FADS1 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. In the current study, we investigated the expression and clinical pathologic and prognostic significance of FADS1 in ESCC. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that 58.2% (146/251) of the ESCC tissues had low levels of FADS1 expression, whereas 41.8% (105/251) exhibited high levels of FADS1 expression. In positive cases, FADS1 expression was detected in the cytoplasm of cells. Correlation analyses demonstrated that FADS1 expression was significantly correlated with tumor location (p=0.025) but not with age, gender, histological grade, tumor status, nodal status or TNM staging. Furthermore, patients with tumors expressing high levels of FADS1had a longer disease-free survival time (p<0.001) and overall survival time (p <0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that, along with nodal status, FADS1 expression was an independent and significant predictive factor (p<0.001). In conclusion, our study suggested that FADS1 might be a valuable biomarker and potential therapeutic target for ESCC.

AT1 Receptor Modulator Attenuates the Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Impairment of the Myocardial Ischemic Post-Conditioning Benefits

Yun-Wei Li,Yan-Ming Li,Yan Hon,Qi-Lin Wan,Rui-Li He,Zhi-Zhong Wang,Cui-Hua Zhao 대한심장학회 2017 Korean Circulation Journal Vol.47 No.2

Background and Objectives: Ischemic post-conditioning (PostC) has been demonstrated as a novel strategy to harness nature’s protection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Hypercholesterolemia (HC) has been reported to block the effect of PostC on the heart. Angiotensin II type-1 (AT1) modulators have shown benefits in myocardial ischemia. The present study investigates the effect of a novel inhibitor of AT1, azilsartan in PostC of the heart of normocholesterolemic (NC) and HC rats. Materials and Methods: HC was induced by the administration of high-fat diet to the animals for eight weeks. Isolated Langendorff’s perfused NC and HC rat hearts were exposed to global ischemia for 30 min and reperfusion for 120 min. I/R-injury had been assessed by cardiac hemodynamic parameters, myocardial infarct size, release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha troponin I, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, nitrite in coronary effluent, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, a reduced form of glutathione, superoxide anion, and left ventricle collagen content in normal and HC rat hearts. Results: Azilsartan post-treatment and six episodes of PostC (10 sec each) afforded cardioprotection against I/R-injury in normal rat hearts. PostC protection against I/R-injury was abolished in HC rat hearts. Azilsartan prevented the HC-mediated impairment of the beneficial effects of PostC in I/R-induced myocardial injury, which was inhibited by L-N5-(1-Iminoethyl)ornithinehydrochloride, a potent inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Conclusion: Azilsartan treatment has attenuated the HC-induced impairment of beneficial effects of PostC in I/R-injury of rat hearts, by specifically modulating eNOS. Azilsartan may be explored further in I/R-myocardial injury, both in NC and HC conditions, with or without PostC.

The Gender-Sensitive Social Risk Factors for Internet Addiction in College Undergraduate Students

Xia Lin,Jing-yan Gu,Wan-jun Guo,Ya-jing Meng,Hui-yao Wang,Xiao-jing Li,Wei Deng,Lian-sheng Zhao,Xiao-hong Ma,Ming-li Li,Ting Chen,S,K,Cheng,Tao Li 대한신경정신의학회 2021 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.18 No.7

Objective The current study aims to explore precipitating and social risk factors for internet addiction (IA) in university undergraduate students, and to provide evidence for interventions and the early prevention of IA in different genders. Methods Four thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight college sophomores completed an online survey on their internet use-related behaviours and social risk factors. Results We found that more male (8.3%) than female students (5.4%) had moderate and severe IA. The main online activity in the moderate and severe IA groups was online gaming in males and online streaming in females. Roommates engaging in similar internetbased entertainment was a risk factor of IA only for males, while not being in a romantic relationship was a risk factor of IA for females only. Infatuation with the internet before college and adjustment problems for college life were shared risk factors for both genders in the mild and moderate IA groups. Conclusion IA was a common phenomenon in college students with shared and unique precipitating and social risk factors in males and females. The gender-sensitive risk factors for IA warranted earlier and individualized intervention and prevention strategies for IA in this population.

Synergistic Effect of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

( Zhen Zhen Lian ),( Xiao Jing Yin ),( Hua Li ),( Li Li Jia ),( Xiu Zhen He ),( Yong Bo Yan ),( Nai Hua Liu ),( Ka Yiu Wan ),( Xiao Kun Li ),( Shao Qiang Lin ) 대한피부과학회 2014 Annals of Dermatology Vol.26 No.1

Background: Diabetic wounds are a major clinical challenge, because minor skin wounds can lead to chronic, unhealed ulcers and ultimately result in infection, gangrene, or even amputation. Studies on bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and a series of growth factors have revealed their many benefits for wound healing and regeneration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may improve the environment for BMSC development and differentiation. However, whether combined use of BMSCs and PRP may be more effective for accelerating diabetic ulcer healing remains unclear. Objective: We investigated the efficacy of BMSCs and PRP for the repair of refractory wound healing in a diabetic rat model. Methods: Forty-eight rats with diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin were divided into four groups: treatment with BMSCs plus PRP, BMSCs alone, PRP alone, phosphate buffered saline. The rate of wound closure was quantified. A histopathological study was conducted regarding wound depth and the skin edge at 7, 14, and 28 days after surgery. Results: Wound healing rates were significantly higher in the BMSC plus PRP group than in the other groups. The immunohistochemistry results showed that the expression of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and transforming growth factor-β1 increased significantly in the BMSC plus PRP group compared to the other treatment groups. On day 7, CD68 expression increased significantly in the wounds of the BMSC plus PRP group, but decreased markedly at day 14 compared to the controls. Conclusion: The combination of BMSCs and PRP aids diabetic wound repair and regeneration. (Ann Dermatol 26(1) 1∼10, 2014)

ZNF424, a novel human KRAB/C2H2 zinc finger protein, suppresses NFAT and p21 pathway

( Yue Qun Wang ),( Jun Mei Zhou ),( Xiang Li Ye ),( Yong Qi Wan ),( Yong Qing Li ),( Xiao Yan Mo ),( Wu Zhou Yuan ),( Yan Yan ),( Na Luo ),( Ze Qun Wang ),( Xiong Wei Fan ),( Yun Deng ),( Xiu Shan Wu 생화학분자생물학회 2010 BMB Reports Vol.43 No.3

Zinc finger-containing transcription factors are the largest single family of transcriptional regulators in mammals, which play an essential role in cell differentiation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and neoplastic transformation. Here we have cloned a novel KRAB-related zinc finger gene, ZNF424, encoding a protein of 555aa. ZNF424 gene consisted of 4 exons and 3 introns, and mapped to chromosome 19p13.3. ZNF424 gene was ubiquitously expressed in human embryo tissues by Northern blot analysis. ZNF424 is conserved across species in evolution. Using a GFP-labeled ZNF424 protein, we demonstrate that ZNF424 localizes mostly in the nucleus. Transcriptional activity assays shows ZNF424 suppresses transcriptional activity of L8G5-luciferase. Overexpression of ZNF424 in HEK- 293 cells inhibited the transcriptional activity of NFAT and p21, which may be silenced by siRNA. The results suggest that ZNF424 protein may act as a transcriptional repressor that suppresses NFAT and p21 pathway to mediate cellular functions. [BMB reports 2010; 43(3): 212-218]

Appraise and analysis of dynamical stability of cable-driven lower limb rehabilitation training robot

Yan-lin Wang,Ke-yi Wang,Wan-li Wang,Peng-cheng Yin,Zhuang Han 대한기계학회 2019 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.33 No.11

This paper presents a problem that traditional methods cannot evaluate the dynamical stability of the under-constraint cable-driven lower limb rehabilitation training robot (CLLRTR). An analytical method is presented to evaluate the dynamical stability of CLLRTR. Firstly, position performance factor, posture performance factor and cable tension performance factor are defined based on the kinematics and dynamics of CLLRTR. An appraisal index and method of the dynamical stability for CLLRTR with the hybrid force-position-pose approach is proposed by using the weighted average method among three performance factors. Secondly, the stable workspace and robustness workspace with the external forces are defined according to the stability margin. Finally, the simulation analysis and the experimental study are used to illustrate the distribution of the dynamical stability in the whole workspace of CLLRTR. The results show that the experimental results are the same as the theoretical simulation analysis results. So the appraisal index of the dynamical stability can be used to evaluate the dynamical stability of CLLRTR. It will provide a foundation for the trajectory planning and control strategy of CLLRTR training pattern.

A Novel Flame Edge Detection Algorithm via a Novel Active Contour Model

Wanli Feng,Ying Li,Shangbing Gao,Yunyang Yan,Jianxun Xue 보안공학연구지원센터 2016 International Journal of Hybrid Information Techno Vol.9 No.9

Flame edge detection from color images is a challenging research area recently. In this paper, an extension of active contour model is proposed by adding the two information types to both internal and external energy terms. Therefore, the combination of these two forces allows for flexible initialization of the contours. This energy is then incorporated into a level set formulation with a level set regularization term that is necessary for accurate computation in the corresponding level set method. Edge extraction of different flame images using C-V model and the classical edge detection operators are compared and analyzed. Experimental results show that the existing methods do not emphasize the continuity and clarity of the flame and fire edges while the proposed method identifies the continuous and clear edges of the flame fire.

Heterologous expression AND characterization of mannitol-1-phasphate dehydrogenase from the basidiomycete Pholiotanameko

Yan LI,Ruirong YI,Jia ning WAN,Yukiko KINJO,Norihiro Shimomura,Tadanori AIMI 한국버섯학회 2010 한국버섯학회 국제학술대회 Vol.6 No.-

Analysis of dynamical stability of rigid-flexible hybrid-driven lower limb rehabilitation robot

Yan-lin Wang,Ke-yi Wang,Zi-xing Zhang,Zhuang Han,Wan-li Wang 대한기계학회 2020 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.34 No.4

The research of the safety problem of the cable-driven lower limb rehabilitation robots (CDLR) is not considered in the related report. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to study the dynamical stability evaluation method of a rigid-flexible hybrid-driven lower limb rehabilitation robot system (RFHDLR) to meet the training requirements of different patients in different rehabilitation stages. In order to improve the flexibility and operational performance of the robot system, one rigid motion chain is introduced into the cable-driven parallel robot (CDPR) to form a RFHDLR. Secondly, the motion planning strategy of the rigid motion chain is analyzed. Then, based on the kinematics and dynamics of the robot system, the cable tension performance factor and the system stiffness performance factor of the robot system are defined, and the static stability evaluation method and index of RFHDLR are obtained by the weighting method. Considering the patient's ability to withstand the motion velocity and the effect of the volatility of slide motion velocity of the rigid motion chain on the safety of the robot system, the velocity performance factor of the robot system is proposed. The dynamical stability evaluation method and index of RFHDLR are discussed based on the static stability evaluation method and the velocity influence function. Finally, for the two planning strategies of the rigid motion chain, the experimental study of the planned training trajectory of the lower limb traction point is performed based on simulation analysis. The experimental results verify the correctness of the stability evaluation method and provide a reference for further studying the training task planning and the control strategy.